50% Salary Cut: NHRC wades into NLC, Nasarawa govt face-off

NASARAWA State government has been pressured by the organised labour comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) into rescinding its decision on 50 per cent  salary cut for state workers.

The National President of NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba disclosed this on Tuesday, while addressing a crowd of workers in Lafia.

He said the decision of the state government followed the advice of the National Human Right Commission (NHRC), urging the government to revert to status quo, so that the organised labour would discontinue with its planned procession in the state.

Comrade Wabba said the organised labour had decided to adhere to the advice of the NHRC, saying it would not continue with its planned procession.

He added that the union had also received a letter from the state government informing them that it would comply with the NHRC’s advice.

“We are a law-abiding union and we will obey the NHRC and give the government the benefit of doubt. But the strike continues until the state workers receive alert.

The National President of NLC stated further that they were in the state to mourn their fallen colleagues who died during its last protest, noting that they would continue to fight for the right of workers in the state, being the essence of unionism.

Wabba asserted that a worker’s salary is his right and not a privilege, saying they would continue to demand justice for their fallen colleagues as well as full compensation, and urged workers in the state to remain resolute and committed to the struggle for better welfare in the state.

When contacted, the Head of Service of the State, Joseph Ancho, told the Nigerian Tribune that he was not aware of the government’s decision to reverse the 50 per cent salary cut.

Nigerian Tribune reported that a prayer session was held in honour of the fallen colleagues who were allegedly killed by police officers at the Government House a month ago.